Vaping: Demystifying Myths

Studies suggest that vaping is 95 per cent less harmful than smoking tobacco and in the UK they are now the most popular aid to quitting smoking. However, in India the idea of using e-cigarettes and its benefits remain controversial. The small, yet growing vaping community in India is already facing the threat of an illicit ban. Eight state have already banned the sale of vaping devices and Tamil Nadu may be the ninth state to do so. Here is a quick lowdown on vaping and the myths around it.

What is vaping?

Vaping is a harm reduction tool, according to experts. Vaping is an act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic device—a battery-operated device which vaporizes a flavored liquid made of propylene glycol, glycerin and flavorings also known as e-liquids. These e-liquids come in various flavours and have nicotine and non-nicotine based variants.

Myths

Vaping is more harmful as the traditional cigarettes

According to ‘E-Cigarettes: An Evidence Update’ a 113 page report that concludes that the best current estimate shows the electronic cigarette is about 95% less harmful than conventional cigarettes and in the future would proved to be an alternative drug to tobacco withdrawal such as nicotine patches. Shortly after its release, a few scientists raised concerns about the 95% value and the authors, Ann McNeill and Peter Hajek issued a letter of clarification. Backed by 12 scientists from the British public health organizations that reiterated their commitment to inform smokers and health professionals about this ‘popular’ tool for smoking cessation.

Second-hand vape is harmful for others

Everyone is aware about the potential dangers of second-hand smoke, so people were worried about second-hand vapor causing the same, especially with the big formaldehyde myth that floated around. Another concern was the amount of nicotine that might be left in second hand vape. A study done by Lolliard compared the levels of carcinogens found in 2nd hand vape to 2nd hand smoke. The study concluded that 2nd hand vapor contains the same levels of carcinogens as ambient air. The study also found that the levels of nicotine in 2nd hand vape are negligible.

Vapes can explode

The many headlines in the media about exploding e-cigs are almost universally related to improper use or storage of a battery. In reality e-cigs are no more explosive than your smartphone. It all comes down to battery safety and education. Carrying loose batteries in a pocket or bag is not advisable

When used properly and safely, e-cigarettes do not pose threat to explode in your pocket or your hand. For those of you with mods and external batteries, ohms law and battery safety need to be a top priority for you to know. If you’re following the battery safety guidelines set by the manufacturer and use the device in the right manner this will not be an issue.

Banning vapes would make them go away forever

Some extremists have suggested eradication of e-cigarettes and vaping as a whole as it promotes the act of smoking. Despite the fact that many studies suggest vaping could potentially save millions of lives in the years to come, they want to find other ways to help smokers kick their habit. The fact is that, even if vaping was to be banned, it wouldn’t just disappear.

The UK-based Center for Substance Use Research shut this myth down recently by surveying more than 9,000 U.S. vapers and asking them what they would do if the vaping products that they use were taken off the market.

Almost 70 percent of them responded by saying that they would turn to the black market to continue buying the products. This would lead to illicit trade of vapes and e-liquids as there would be no sense of checks and balances in place to make sure that vapers are buying quality products. And it could further tarnish the reputation of the vaping community. Thus the government’s, anti-vaping groups, social groups need to think long and hard before pushing for a ban of e-cigarettes and e-liquids.

Considering the trends if a smoker hasn’t made the shift to vaping they are considered to be behind the curve. However irrespective of whether you wish to make the shift or you already are a vaper the most important thing that you need to keep in mind is that you need to take care of your device and ensure you use ISO certified products only.

[This is an authored article by Nilesh Jain, founder of ivape. All views, opinions and expressions are personal and limited to the author.]

Latika Bhargava successfully manages the dual responsibility of news and website management at Newsbarons.
Latika prides herself at her expertise on social media planning and management. An entrepreneur at heart, Latika is a quick learner, analytical and enjoys reading on technology innovation.

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